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Giants are contenders, jury out on other 2-0 teams
The Falcons are ranked #3 on the list.5. New Orleans
Preseason vibe: There were never doubts about QB Drew Brees and the Saints' high-powered passing offense. But concerns remained about whether New Orleans had done enough to bolster the two areas (running game and defense) that derailed last year's playoff run.
What we know now: Mike Bell's emergence gives New Orleans the chance to field a three-headed rushing attack with Reggie Bush and Pierre Thomas once he returns from injury. Bell, a once-promising player in Denver, ranks fourth in the NFL in rushing with 229 yards. The Saints also have shown defensive improvement under aggressive new coordinator Gregg Williams. Like in Minnesota with the Williams Wall, the Saints don't have to worry that starting DEs Charles Grant and Will Smith will be suspended as the Starcaps situation will not get resolved until 2010.
What's going to happen: Even with Philadelphia using a first-time starter at quarterback in Kevin Kolb, a 48-22 stomping of the Eagles was impressive for a Saints squad that was 2-6 on the road last season. We'll find out whether New Orleans is for real starting in October when the Saints play the Jets, Giants and Falcons in a five-week stretch. The good news for New Orleans: Those three teams have to come marching into the Louisiana Superdome.